We are wrestling with builders which has nothing to do with the above but a lot to do with why I haven't been writing for ages. Have managed to keep up with the painting and studio visits so not entirely bogged down with gutters etc. Anyway back to the pirates. Couple of weeks ago it was the annual Golowan festival in Penzance. Mayhem and merriment for a full week, starting with fireworks on a wet and cloudy evening over the bay. Otherwise weather not unkind being dull and damp during the week when the indoor events tooks place and gloriously hot and sunny for the weekend. Weekdays theatre, poetry, flag making, music etc. etc. Penzance is en fete for the whole week and ,as they say, something to entertain everyone. We particularly enjoyed the Bach plus concerts; vocal, organ music, instrumental, daytime and evening. Saturday was the day for the processions, benefitting this year from having a theme - yes you've guessed it Pirates. All the local schools take part and apart from being tremendous fun it is a visual feast with every float being different, very colourful and innovative. The huge squid with moveable tentacles carried/operated by ?six men sticks and attended by lots of little fishes sticks in the mind. A great photo and quick sketching opportunity. Sunday the promenade was stuffed with pirates aiming to set a world record for the most number of people dressed as pirates in one place. Not sure of the final total but 8470 has been mentioned. £1 entry fee made a lot of money for charities, but we don't know if the Guiness Book of records have accepted it as it apparantly costs £3000 to have them send someone down to verify the numbers and that would be less for the charities. There must have been at least twice as many pirates wandering round the town. Something very satisfying about seeing huge hairy pirates armed to the teeth, bearing parrots and in many cases with pushchairs containg mini pirates. Walked down the prom the next day and there was not a stitch of litter. Tango dancing in the park both afternoons, more drawing. Funfair by the swimming pool at the weekend. Come next year it's great!